Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Requiring immediate attention or action; urgent: Describes a situation, need, or matter that is critical and cannot be delayed.
   • Insistent or earnest in request or demand: Describes a manner of asking or inviting that is very forceful or persistent.

2. Noun:

   • The act of applying pressure: The action of exerting force upon something by pushing steadily against it.
   • A component made by a mechanical press: An object, typically made of metal or plastic, manufactured by using a machine that shapes material under high pressure.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The most pressing issue is the shortage of clean water. (The most urgent issue...)
  • She received a pressing invitation to join the committee. (She received an insistent invitation...)

• Noun:

  • The pressing of the grapes is the first step in winemaking. (The application of pressure on the grapes...)
  • This metal pressing is a key component of the engine. (This metal part made by a press...)

Advanced Usage

• "of pressing concern": of urgent importance.

  • Climate change is a matter of pressing concern for all nations.

• "pressing need": an urgent requirement.

  • There is a pressing need for more medical supplies in the disaster zone.

Variants and Related Words

• Press (verb/noun): To apply steady force; a machine or device that applies pressure.

  • You must press the button firmly.
  • The wine press is very old.

• Pressed (adjective): Under pressure; short of something.

  • I'm pressed for time. (I am short on time.)

Synonyms

• Adjective (urgent): Critical, imperative, exigent.
• Adjective (insistent): Earnest, persistent, forceful.
• Noun (act): Compression, squeezing.
• Noun (component): Stamping, molded part.

Related Phrases

• Pressing engagement: A previously arranged commitment that is urgent or important.

  • He couldn't attend due to a pressing engagement.

• Pressing question: A question that demands an immediate answer or resolution.

  • The pressing question is how we will fund the project.

Idioms

• Pressing the flesh: (Informal) Shaking hands with many people, especially as a politician or celebrity.
  • The candidate spent an hour pressing the flesh with voters.

Adjective

1. compelling immediate action
   • too pressing to permit of longer delay
   • the urgent words `Hurry! Hurry!'
   • bridges in urgent need of repair

Noun

1. a metal or plastic part that is made by a mechanical press
2. the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
   • he gave the button a press
   • he used pressure to stop the bleeding
   • at the pressing of a button